A PFO is best thought of as a communication at the level of the atrial septum between the left heart and the right heart.
It is found in 25-30% of a normal healthy population and usually does not cause any symptoms, impact on the quality of life or lifespan.
Many people refer to it as a ‘hole in the heart’ although strictly speaking, a PFO is more like a flap or a partially open door rather than a gaping hole.
Most patients with PFO are asymptomatic. However, there are 4 situations in which a PFO may be important and partially be responsible for harm.
Hi doctor Gupta, thanks for this wonderful video explaining PFO’s. I’m a healthy 50 year old male that had a cryptogenic stroke a couple of months ago. The bubble test and TEE showed I have a PFO. Awaiting now for a chest CT and then the PFO closure procedure.